ADEN THOMAS 19 April 2010 7:55 AM
Flu vaccine shortage
We received a number of calls the other day from people trying to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu. The issue of shortage of flu vaccines relates to the private sector as they have been unable to secure their normal order numbers as National Health have ordered an increased amount for the public health service, including frontline health care workers. State hospitals will prioritise pregnant women, children under 15 with HIV/AIDS, and those with serious heart and lung problems. If you cannot get vaccinated, Dr Ivan Bromfield says that the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is by washing hands frequently, not touching your nose or eyes unnecessarily, to contain your coughs and sneezes and to be wary of things that other people will touch - like elevator buttons.
Guest: Dr. Ivan Bromfield
Position: Director of Health for the City of Cape Town